We'd like you to get to know Alicia Montgomery and Alecia Earle - two super women! But first, this week's Be Your Own Designer tip, and the Good News of the Week.

Be Your Own Designer Tip of the Week: If it's out, make it lovely

Here is a tip shared at the recent De-stress De-junk De-clutter workshop Alana taught in TX. Whatever you use every single day can be out on the counters, but how do you make it look better? Listen to this week's tip on how to display what you use every day so it is practical as well as beautiful. You'll hear three ways to delightfully display your items used daily.

Good News of the Week: Paying it Forward, one slice of pizza at a time

Rosa's Pizza customers pay it forward by prepaying $1 so someone in need can have a pizza slice. Every one of those post-it's is a prepaid slice. Almost 10,000 pizza slices have been given out to date. We love this. #BeTheChange #PayItForward #WhenYouGetGive #GoodNews

Alicia Montgomery: Barrel Racer and Beautiful Jewelry Creator

Meet Alicia Montgomery, a professional barrel racer, and breeder of adorable dachshunds. She's done so much, that we didn't even get to talk about her award-winning horses! Listen for how a silversmith class changed Alicia's life. Seven years ago she had an accident that left her blind in one eye. Shortly afterwards her beloved horse died, as well as her dear friend passed away all in the same time frame. To process her grief, she healed her heart by creating a necklace with everything that represented her loved ones. Thus, Memory Necklaces were born. Pretty soon her personalized necklaces were being sold at rodeos and elsewhere to people who found comfort and healing through the beautiful pieces. She really shows us how creativity heals.

Today you can order these gorgeous, personalized necklaces made with love for your friends, family and yourself. Mothers put their children's names on them. Dog lovers have their own necklace honoring their four footed friends. We're ordering the inspirational necklaces. See the latest & greatest designs on Alicia's Facebook page. You can also see her designs onEtsy shop or on her website. How often can you buy such beautiful, personalized pieces from such a talented, multi-faceted woman? We love her work, and we love her. ​Buy one for your friends andtwo for yourself.

Alecia Earle: Public Defender's Office & Photographer Extraordinaire

How does a busy mom, and investigator for the CO Public Defender's Office find her creative niche? She takes exceptional photographs, that's how. Alecia's photos are consistently named among the best of the best by JPG Magazine (that's the one with 61K followers!)

Hear how you can take better photos of your kiddos. (Is it bribery or effective parenting?) Tips for taking better photos with your iPhone. You'll also hear about how she personalized their home with her photos and creative ideas we adore. (That hand-painted tree with bookshelves in the branches - love!) Hear about her legendary themed birthday party. Want to get together with girlfriends? Start a craft club with custom cocktails like Alecia & her friends did. Find A.E. Photography on Facebook by clicking here. You can also see her Pinterest feed here.

​See some of her gorgeous photos below. We couldn't decide so we created a slide show of several for you.

This week's music is by yet another Alicia - Alicia Keys, Superwoman. (see video below) Alicia M. and Alecia E. are both exactly that... super women! Shout-out to all you super women.

Go out an BE A LIGHT... at home, at work and in your own community. Tune in every Sunday at 2 as we help you make your house a ​home.

Be the first among your friends to like this week's show! Give us a thumbs up.

Information on how to plan your next renovation, be your own designer tip, good news of the week and more.

It's a pleasure to introduce you to both Angela Hasted and Keenan Boliek-Poling. But first, the good news of the week....

GOOD NEWS OF THE WEEK

We spotted this online and had to share. The video just posted and it already has millions of views. God bless that bus driver who sensed something was wrong, and made it right.

Do you have any good news to share? Please send your stories to us and we'd love to hear from you. Who knows? Your story just might be next week's Good News of the Week, inspiring others and giving us all hope that there are more good people in the world than what we hear on the nightly news.

PRO CORNER: Angela Hasted

Angie learned how much she loves helping people with their homes after 10 years at Finishing Touch, the go-to place for Los Alamos home decorating. Six years ago she was hired as the store manager of of Raby Home Solutions in Santa Fe, and she talks about all things flooring related (thus the title of this week's podcast). A few of the topics we covered... Tile: ceramic or porcelain? Wood: real or engineered? Is the advice for anyone or does it change regionally? Can you install engineered wood on radiant heated slab? How much extra do you order? Angie is a wealth of information.

If you're doing a project small or large, stop in and see Angie Hasted at 2911 Cerillos Road in Santa Fe. Whether you're DIYing it, or need their expert installers, she'll help you through the process. Phone 505.471.8908.

YOU ASKED - WE LISTENED. We've received many questions about flooring, so we brought in Angela "Angie" Hasted, a flooring expert.

GIVING BACK: Keenan Boliek-Poling

Click for link to Habitat / AmeriCorp information

We can't wait to see what's next on the horizon for Keenan.

After graduating from University of New Mexico, Keenan wanted to give back, and AmeriCorps was the answer. He is now wrapping up his term as AmeriCorps Construction Crew Leader at Santa Fe's Habitat for Humanity. His gentle demeanor and giving heart also "floored" us. Hear about the national build event, affordable housing, and more.

AmeriCorp offers the opportunity to be of service, earn a living wage while you serve, and then receive a scholarship to use for education (pay off student loans, or towards future education, etc.). What an excellent way to give back to communities right here in the US! This particular partnership between AmeriCorp and Habitat combines two of the causes near and dear to our hearts - giving back and helping families get into affordable housing. Win-win. For more info visit AmeriCorps. Are you or a loved one looking to give back here at home in the U.S.? Explore AmeriCorps / Habitat partnership.

Note to Keenan: Best of luck in the Master of Architecture program starting next month. We'll be keeping our eyes on you, for we are sure you are destined to have a great impact on this world.

GOOD NEWS OF THE WEEK: Street Symphony

click for link

Every week we feature some good news, highlighting the best in humanity. This week, it's the Los Angeles Street Symphony, bringing the healing power of live music to those who need it most. Homeless, and incarcerated folks are transformed by the stunningly beautiful sounds of this sweet symphony.

BE YOUR OWN DESIGNER: You must fill your home with these three things

Alana presents budget friendly ways to make your house more of a home. They're so budget-friendly in fact, that they cost you nothing. Nada. Zip. Rather than stressing over your next big home goods purchase, instead gather loved ones and create #memories at home. Instead of agonizing over what artwork to have installed, snip some beautiful blossoms from your garden and enjoy the bounty of #MotherNature on your entryway table. What is the best element to add to your home? #Laughter. You'll want to hear this week's tip.

PRO CORNER: Rob Lochner of Habitat for Humanity of Santa Fe

Rob Lochner started helping people with their homes when he was just 13 years young. Fast forward today and he is now the construction manager at Santa Fe Habitat for Humanity.

​Hear him talk about how #EnergyEfficient the Habitat homes are. If you have a heart for giving back, volunteer at your own Habitat for Humanity in the U.S. or help with their Global Village program. You can also support them by donating and shopping at their ReStore (one of our favorite places!)

​Call Santa Fe's Habitat at 505.986.5880

GIVING BACK: Ron Hidalgo of Silver Horizons New Mexico

Ron Hidalgo

What do you have in your wallet right now? $5? That five dollar bill would feed a low income NM senior for five weeks. You read that right... five weeks! This is possible due to the efforts of Ron Hidalgo. the Executive Director of Silver Horizons of New Mexico.

Every month Silver Horizons feeds seniors, provides utility assistance and offers help with home repairs. For information on how you can help, call Ron at 505.800.1400 or email him at Ron@SilverHorizons.org

​Between now and Father's Day next Sunday, Walgreens of NM is collecting donations for Silver Horizons. To learn more CLICK HERE to view brief video on this outstanding organization. Do you have an extra $5 to help? Get to your local NM Walgreens and say, "I care about seniors."

This week's music: Do Something (see below).

Go out and BE A LIGHT... at home, at work and in your own community. Give us a thumbs up and share with your friends.

BE YOUR OWN DESIGNER TIP: Popcorn Ceilings

We love popcorn. (Extra butter, please.) But what do you do if you have popcorn ceilings?

Beyond scraping off the popcorn, (which is not fun!) there are some great options to cover up that lumpy, bumpy, cottage cheese looking ceiling. Metal panels are a reference to the glory days of the Victorian era. The look can be surprisingly elegant in a modern interior. MDF wood look planks are especially beautiful when combined with wood beams. Bead-board for a fresh take on the cottage look. Drywall, using ceiling grade gypsum board (which is lighter than traditional drywall.) And then there's plain old fashioned wood, like our previous guest #DIY Steve used for his own ceiling.

​Thankfully there are many options beyond scraping off the old popcorn ceilings. Things are looking up indeed.

PRO CORNER: Deborah Trouw

​Deborah Trouw of Waddel & Reed, Inc. brought us information about financial planning. Some of the topics covered include assisting people managing their parents' estate, whether you need to be a homeowner to see a financial planner, and more. Be sure to listen for how Deborah likens financial planning to furniture arranging!

​Giving Back: Douglas Maahs

It is true. Doug owns D. Maahs Construction. Yes, he is the founder and former president of Honey Do Home Repair, Kitchens & Closets Too, a multi million dollar contracting and cabinet firm. Doug Maahs was also President of the Santa Fe Area Homebuilders' Association. 2012 Builder of the Year and 2013 Parade of Homes award winner for Best Kitchen & Best Craftsmanship? That was him. Eleven time category winner and 2 time Grand Award winner in the excellence in remodeling Showcase. You guessed it. Doug Maahs. But that's not why he was invited to be on this week's show.

To give back to the community, Doug Maahs now is also the Chairman for the Board of Advisors' for the beloved Santa Fe tradition, St John's College Music on the Hill. Thanks to the generous support of sponsors, this family-friendly six week free concert series kicks off Wednesday June 14th. Bring the family and a picnic, and kick off your shoes and dance to the setting sun. That is our kind of Santa Fe experience every vacationer will enjoy.​

This week's guests provide homes and hope.... for our brave veterans who served, and for those brave enough to escape domestic violence.

BE YOUR OWN DESIGNER tip of the week: Small Space Solutions

The average US home is just under 2500 sq'. No matter what size your own home is, take a hint from the #TinyHouse enthusiasts, and utilize #SmallSpace solutions for your own home. The good news is that you don't have to spend your entire paycheck at the Container Store to maximize the space you have.

Kevin Jamison co-founded the Veterans Community Project (VCP) in Kansas City, MO and he's on a mission to end veterans' homelessness. "When you see vets on a mission, look out!" Kevin's heart is evident as he talks about the men and women who served our country and were denied VA services. Veterans Community Project accepts any and all veterans who took the oath. Kevin said, "This is a community problem, this isn't a government problem...this is in our backyard, this is our community...Whatever they need to get off the streets, we're going to do it."

How? Through building #TinyHouses. This 4.2 acre community will have 50 tiny houses, built for <$15K each. The VCP community support center also provides needed medical, dental, and wrap-around services to aid PTSD recovery, and to address underlying causes of homelessness. The best part of all is they never say no to a veteran in need. For a brief video CLICK HERE.

Hundreds of cities around the country are looking to implement this scale-able model, and it's an idea whose time has come. To support this organization, donate here. For information on bringing this solution to your own city or town, contact Veterans Community Project here. #VCPHomeOfTheBrave

GIVING BACK: Marcos Zubia of Esperanza Shelter

Marcos Zubia

Let's give these kids a safe play area

As a child, Marcos Zubia experienced first-hand what it is to be a resident of Esperanza Shelter for battered families, the first domestic abuse shelter in the area. Today Marcos is giving back in every sense of the word. Now President of the Board of Directors at Esperanza, he is improving many aspects of the shelter. Range of services offered include mandatory 52 week offenders program, court advocacy, and the Hope and Learning program.

How can you help? The playground is in a sad state, and Marcos appeals to listeners to support their Hope & Play Garden. Find out more by visiting EsperanzaShelter.org. They just need $5K to finish the project, so contact Esperanza today.

Taken from catchy song "Can't Stop the Feeling", this week's theme is Sunshine in My Pocket. Follow the tip of the week, and you'll feel sunny. Volunteer in your area as Rose suggests, and you will feel brighter. Take on projects around your own home like Mark and you'll be beaming.

HOME TIP OF THE WEEK.... This one may surprise you

As an unexpected twist on the usual Be Your Own Designer tip, Alana talks about the importance of gratitude (yes gratitude!) Before you get overwhelmed with all the things that you have to change about your home or obsess over the things that you just hate, it's important to cultivate gratitude for what is good about your home. Then you can go about making changes with a balanced perspective. If the inevitable mishaps occur (and they will!) you won't have a melt-down when the tile is delayed 3 weeks, or the roofer steps through your son's bedroom ceiling. Plus, it's proven to be good for you overall, as outlined in this NY Times article. For more inspiration our friend filmmaker Louie Schwartzberg's Gratitude Revealed project is Oprah and Pope Francis-approved. (Click here to listen to our interview.)

GIVING BACK / PAYING IT FORWARD: Rose Thompson

​Meet Rose Thompson of Raleigh’s Activate Good. She is the volunteer coordinator responsible for pairing 17K+ volunteers with 300+ non-profits. What an outstanding organization! Activate Good was started in 2005 when Amber Smith and her friend went cross country doing acts of kindness. (Click here to listen to our interview last year.)

Today, Activate Good is leading by example. We need an Activate Good in every city in the U.S.! Hear about many projects including 9/11 family service days. For more information on how to emulate this exceptional program in your own city, email volunteer@ActivateGood.org

How can you get involved? Visit Points of Light and find out how you can get active, and help in your own community. Service is the new standard of excellence, the new measure of success. "The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service to others." ~Gandhi #BeTheChange

Can you really watch a You Tube video and DIY it? When learning to DIY, Mark offers valuable advice. And it's refreshing to hear about what he’s noticed from This Old House crew, Mike Holmes Sr. & Jr., and your favorite DIY Network and HGTV stars. Hear about the pallet "warm weather" outdoor bar cart project. ​We're also loving the Minecraft bedroom (pictured).

Read about their job site romance in the Carpenter's Notebook, available on our LINKS page. We'd also like to acknowledge his wife Theresa’s outstanding work designing for those with dementia and Alzheimer’s with Design Rx Prescription.

Mark & Theresa are self-described "Parents/ Remodelers/ Artists/ Licensed Contractors/ Authors/ Hosts/ and DIY'ers." Out of all those, what brings Mark the most joy? Listen and find out!

GOOD NEWS OF THE WEEK

click to see video

The Lawton Oklahoma Chick-Fil-A staff found out their coworker's birthday was coming up. Since he is hearing-impaired, what did they do? The entire staff learned how to sign Happy Birthday.

We love this story! In the week since the story was first published, this video has been seen over 1 million times. #GreatPeople #KindnessMatters

This week’s music is our producer Geno's favorite song: Can’t Stop the Feeling We bet you'll be singing it all week too.
​Go out and BE A LIGHT… at home, at work and in your own community.

When this show first aired, we had over 17K views on FB

For Memorial Day weekend show, we're talking to Kevin of the Veterans Community Project. Veterans helping Veterans, ending homelessness. We'll also hear from Marcos Zubia and find out what's been happening at Esperanza. Tune in next Sunday at 2 (MT). #tinyhouse #solutions

Shout-out to growing audience around the world, and to the outstanding team on the Santa Fe Habitat for Humanity Women Build event this week. (pictured)

Today's guests talk about handmade furniture... and how one hour a week will change someone's life (and yours!) But first, this week's tip for your own home...

BE YOUR OWN DESIGNER TIP: Less 'Stuff' is Better

Having too much stuff is a burden, not a blessing. No, you don't have to live an austere, monk-like existence,m but admittedly most of us have too much in our homes.​You can't reach for anything new if you're arms are still hanging onto yesterday's junk. Learn the three simple steps to letting go of the clutter and keeping it that way.

1) Junk Hunt: out with the obvious2) Choose: The magic number3) Keeping It: easy rule, even a child can do

GOOD NEWS OF THE WEEK

City worker that rescheduled entire project to allow resident to heal from cancer surgery. One small act of kindness can make all the difference to someone. Email us your good news stories. ​

PRO CORNER: Scott White | White Design

Why choose handmade furniture as opposed to mass-produced items? Acclaimed furniture maker, ABQ's Scott White talks about the energy of handmade objects. His love and care in every piece is evident. Story of blind woman who responded to the energy of his furniture. Scott's work has been featured in the 2014 Architectural Digest show house, Houzz, Modenus and the NM Museum of Art to name a few. Yet he's refreshingly down-to-earth. His work has been described as, "Honest furniture from a straightforward man." Indeed! Visit his website: www.GoHomeAndSit.com

GIVING BACK / PAYING IT FORWARD: Keri Powell

TX Big Sister of the Year, Keri Powell talks about the joys of being a Big Sister. Hear what happened 11 years ago the first time she and sweet little Kiana went to McDonald's. Melted our hearts! Today, Kiana is not only a beautiful young woman, she is part of the family.

You too can get involved with just with just an hour a week's commitment. You don't have to be a parent in order to make a difference in someone's life. To find out more, visit www.BBBS.org. Thanks for inspiring us, Keri & Kiana!

​This week's music: Better Together by Jack Johnson. ​Go out and BE A LIGHT... at home, at work, and in your own community.

Next Sunday, meet Mark from My Fix It Up Life. And we'll hear more from our friends at Activate Good. It'll be a great show!

​Tune in every Sunday at 2 (MT) as we help you make your house a ​home.

Today's show is about little things that make a huge difference. What a difference when a city gives panhandlers what they really need.... a job and hope. But first, this week's decorating tip.

BE YOUR OWN DESIGNER TIP

​Have you ever walked into a room and felt like something was just off? Chances are the scale was out of proportion. Scale makes all the difference. Alana talks about the scale of your furniture, area rugs and artwork. Benefit of having right scale when it comes time to sell.

GIVING BACK / PAYING IT FORWARD: There's a Better Way

Meet Albuquerque's treasure, ​Kellie Tillerson, Executive Director of Housing & Employment services at St. Martin’s. VAN PROGRAM: Instead of citing panhandlers, a van driver (see below) picks up willing workers and gives them a job for the day, paying above minimum wage in cash. To date over 2000 jobs have been provided for over 570 unique clients in Albuquerque alone. THERE'S MORE: Outreach support services, the Hope Café, and on the job coaching, as well as Better Way Day Labor program. These programs are helping panhandlers to get steady, permanent employment, and off the streets into housing. This is exactly what every city in America needs. Read on....

Kellie Tillerson

GOOD NEWS OF THE WEEK

Not only did the city of Albuquerque just approve a second van to extend There Is a Better Way's Van program, program is being replicated around the country. Over 200 cities have expressed interest and are implementing the program, #Denver #Lexington #Tulsa #Camden #Chicago #Anchorage and #Tucson, to name just a few! Just last week #SantaFe announced its intention to also duplicate this outstanding program. Kudos to Mayor Berry, Kellie Tillerson, and all those "super fantastic people" who make this possible.

To bring this type program to your area contact Kellie by phoning (505) 843-9797 ext. 318​. Let's not punish panhandlers, but give them what they really need.... a job and hope. ​

MORE TIPS FOR YOUR HOME

Budget-friendly tips on how you can get the look you love, while staying on budget:

It’s a bird, it’s a plane, it’s your ceiling!

Fake it 'till you make it with molding and built-in looking bookcases.

And how to refresh light fixtures for less than you imagine.

Last but not least, hang ‘em high when it comes to curtains and drapes.

Go out and BE A LIGHT... at home, at work and in your own community. Tune in next Sunday as we make your house a home. ​

NEXT WEEK: Learn about Big Brothers / Big Sisters with Keri Powell. We'll also talk with our favorite custom furniture maker, Scott White. You've seen his work at the NM Museum of Art, the AD show house, Dwell & Modenus, yet he's refreshingly down to earth.

Be Your Own Designer tip

Have only things that have meaning to you. It’s your home! Don’t let a designer or sales person talk you out of what makes your heart sing. If you love to cuddle, then make sure your sofa is snuggle-friendly. If you love clear vibrant colors, then don’t let someone coerce you into drab grey. It’s your home, and it must reflect YOU. Like Shakespeare said, "To thine own self be true."

​For more tips, be sure to sign up for this Saturday's Drab 2 Fab class for budget-friendly ways to make your home reflect your style.

GIVING BACK / PAYING IT FORWARD: Shop & help change the world

Jeff Snell. Empowering change around the world.

Jeff Snell, CEO of International Folk Art Alliance talks about the social entrepreneurial impact of the Santa Fe International Folk Art Market. GOOD NEWS FOR TEXAS: For the first time, IFAM will hold a market in Arlington TX June 16-17. SANTA FE: This year's Santa Fe market will be July 14-16. Your purchases will literally help save lives, create self-sufficiency for women, and transform the standard of living for people world-wide. Click video below to learn more. For tickets and info, click here.

Good News of the Week

Jared is a registered Nurse. He also sings like an angel. In fact, he sings to patients young and old alike, to help them recover. He says, "Your interaction with somebody may be really small and you don't really know what kind of impact you're going to have on someone's life. So, why not make it a positive one?" Amen. His story inspires us all to use our God-given talents to uplift and bless those around us. Thank you Hooplaha.com for sharing this with us. Read full story here.

You DId It

​Daughter of a diplomat, Diana Clements talks about the joys of doing it herself, inspired by her grandmother. Having moved 29 times, she knows what it takes to make a house into a home. From Miss Catastrophe to DIY Diva. Hear how she got a bonus from her landlord years ago thru her DIY efforts. Why creativity is important.

Join Diana and Alana at the upcoming Habitat for Humanity Women Build event in Santa Fe. Email us here to join Alana's team on Friday May 12. It'll be a blast. No experience necessary.

Women and power tools - it's a beautiful thing! But first, the good news of the week.....

Good News of the Week:

Dante Wilson & Nick Bayer

CEO hires Philadelphia homeless teenager Dante Wilson, and changed Dante's life. CEO Nick said, "Kids surrounded by bad circumstances see no hope - now I can do something about that.... I don't want to do the easy thing - I want to do the RIGHT thing." He did the right thing indeed. Dante not only succeeded at his new job, he quickly moved up in the organization and now is a mentor to other homeless youth. Great story! For full story click here.

Upcoming DRAB 2 FAB Workshop:

Having the home decor of your dreams does not have to cost much at all. Come to Alana's DRAB 2 FAB workshop and learn hundreds of budget-friendly ideas for every room in your home. Most things you can do to improve your home's decor cost less than $300! Sign up today.​Saturday May 6th 1-4 pm. ​$40 at Fuller Lodge Art Center. Preregistration required: 505.662.1635

Pro Corner:

Leah Bolden (pictured) of See Jane Drill. Having been a journeyman and trades instructor, she is uniquely qualified to demystify the ins and outs of DIY. Hear her top 5 tools that every DIY'er should have. After watching her videos, you'll say, "I can do this!"

Giving Back:

What do you do when you retire? If you're Sophia Barnett, you join Santa Fe's Habitat for Humanity and serve as volunteer coordinator. Retired physicist -turned-Habitat volunteer Joyce Roberts also joined us in studio. ​Joyce encouraged us to volunteer for Habitat for Humanity's Women Build Event the week before Mother's Day nationwide. Nothing feels as good as giving back to someone else. You can join this year's Women Build event in Santa Fe by calling Sophia at (505) 986-5880 x102 or emailing sophia@santafehabitat.org

Go out and BE A LIGHT.... at home, at work, and in your community. Let's make your house a home every Sunday at 2 (MT).

When this show aired, we had over 14K views on FB

Next Sunday 30-April-2017 we're talking with International Folk Art Alliance CEO Jeff Snell. Hear why the IFAM is Alana Light's all-time favorite festival / market in Santa Fe, and what the USA Today has to say about IFAM! ​ Tickets on sale now. You'll also meet another women who is comfortable with power tools, Diana Clements.

About Make Your House a HOME show

There was always something to uplift and inspire you on Make Your House a HOME show. We showcased good ideas for your home and your life. By listening to this podcast, you join an international group of listeners who share a desire to beautify their homes, and make their communities better places to live, one compassionate act at a time. To date, we've had 172K podcast listeners in now a total of 47 countries.

Alana Light helped you make your house a home with weekly BE YOUR OWN DESIGNER tips. She also talked with people who are GIVING BACK / PAYING IT FORWARD, making the world a better place. You heard from professionals whose tips and expertise will bless your home in PRO CORNER. We also celebrated listeners' successful DIY home improvement projects in "YOU DID IT" segments.

The show was heard globally on SantaFe.com, and broadcast on KVSF 101.5 FM, the Voice of Santa Fe.